Cop arrested for Riverstone heist

MANZINI - A Manzini police officer has been arrested in connection with the Riverstone Mall E1 million armed robbery.

The police officer, who holds the rank of constable, is stationed at the Manzini Police Station in the Criminal Investigations Department.

The officer was arrested on Tuesday evening and is currently being detained at the Mbabane Police Station.

Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Superintendent Wendy Hleta, yesterday confirmed that a police officer had been arrested after it was found that he was allegedly involved in the heist.

"The police officer, who will not be named for now as we are still conducting investigations, has been implicated in the heist which occurred three weeks ago. He has since been arrested in connection with the heist," Superintendent Hleta said.

Superintendent Hleta said the police officer would appear at the Magistrates Court soon.

Hleta said the service was disappointed by such misconduct of some police officers and emphasised the police were expected to stand by their oath to perform their duties not by favour but with merit.

"It is very disappointing to see such things happening, but the law will take its course.

"There is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty,, so we just have to wait and see how investigations go," Superintendent Hleta said.

Impeccable sources disclosed that the arrested officer was linked to the crime by evidence left at the scene of the robbery by the suspects as they made their getaway.

While the officer is not the first person to be taken in for questioning by the police following the daring robbery, he is the first to be formally charged and arrested.

Police are still on the lookout for the four suspects who are believed to have carried out the heist on July 2.

The wanted suspects are Papa Stewart, Nathi Motsa, Ndoda Mkhwanazi and Aaron Motsa.

They are reported to have been arrested in South Africa, but are believed to have been released before the Swazi police got in contact with their counterparts.

Sources revealed that they were arrested in connection with possessing illegal handguns but were reportedly released after a court appearance.

The suspects are also wanted for other charges as during the robbery a security guard, William Tsabedze, was shot and killed and his colleague, Sibusiso Malindzisa, was seriously injured.

Members of the public with information on any of the suspect’s whereabouts are urged to call officers Sam Mthembu on 7606 2316 or Bizzah Dlamini on 7611 1943 or the police emergency line, 999.

Comments

Ilambile indvuna
Jul 20, 2012, 3:18 AM, economist (skanalelo@yahoo.com)

Yah i thot as much...yimfundziso yeyise. Then u tell me police dnt kill mxm traitors!!!
Jul 20, 2012, 3:18 AM, Tengy Ntfulini (mpilo4sho@yahoo.com)

Hawu madoda cops are criminals but vele nje emaphoyisa tigangi kwawona mane nje aganga bese abhaca nge uniform*Disappointed*
Jul 20, 2012, 3:18 AM, Jackinho (nhloniphongwenya@gmail.com)

Why does it take so long to share yo story wt facebookers.
Jul 20, 2012, 3:18 AM, Tununu (76033525)

We are still 2 see a lot of such coz police also need money yet our goverment is doing all evil efforts to silence everyone who complains about money, umntfwana nakalambile kube kunekudla lokubekiwe kutsiwe akakugadze has every reason to steal tht food
Jul 20, 2012, 3:18 AM, mbongwa dlamini (mbongwadlamini@gmail.com)

Mudle ngwe yakhe! Akaphendvule keIsaac. Uphi commisioner in chief? He said he is proud of police work. asekachaze lomhlolo lo!
Jul 20, 2012, 8:37 AM, Lord Anthony (anthonym198@gmail.com)

Editor Thanks for the article . Vele what protection do we have for the police. We need a Police Ombudsman located at the AG or DPPs office cross checking police Conduct Low salary does not equal moral decay and the killing of citizens going about their duties just because govt does not increase pay. What are the values in the Police Force , if people do not live the values, they should go, be fired and out of the system Police officers are called and not employed because they want a salary. We should start looking at Police Recruitment and Selection Nkundla
Jul 20, 2012, 8:37 AM, Nkundla Dlamini (nkundla.dlamini@gmail.com)

Hhehhehhe waphela kanjalo ke umsebenti, tiga tendilingi. Ya kumatima eSwatini. Utawutsinike kumkakhe nakubantfwana na?
Jul 20, 2012, 8:37 AM, FEFE (faithmthwala@gmail.com)

Government should set up a commission of enquiry to investigate corruption or bad fate in the police force.Ii am sure a lot, more than this can be revealed.
Jul 20, 2012, 8:37 AM, P. Dlamini

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